Germany Take on Nishikori-Less Japan in Davis Cup Qualifier

Japan’s Davis Cup team will have a new look this weekend after Kei Nishikori was forced to withdraw with a back injury, opening the door for 19-year-old Rei Sakamoto to make his debut in Tokyo. With a place in the Final 8 on the line, the tie promises a fascinating contest of youthful promise against seasoned experience.

QUALIFIERS 2ND ROUND

Japan vs Germany — Tokyo, Japan

Japan hosts Germany at the Ariake Coliseum in Tokyo, where the two nations will battle for a place in the Davis Cup Final 8 in Bologna this November. Captain Go Soeda’s side will be without their talisman Kei Nishikori, who has withdrawn with a back injury, and instead rely on Yoshihito Nishioka, Yosuke Watanuki, and Takeru Yuzuki to provide stability alongside younger talents Shintaro Mochizuki and teenage debutant Rei Sakamoto.

Germany are also missing their top-ranked player, world No. 3 Alexander Zverev, but former world No. 21 Jan-Lennard Struff leads the squad after an impressive run from qualifying to the fourth round of the US Open, highlighted by wins over Holger Rune and Frances Tiafoe that lifted him back inside the world’s top 100.

Mochizuki comes into the tie in great form, having made the second round at both Wimbledon and the US Open, navigating his way through qualifying each time, but his indoor record remains a concern. By contrast, Watanuki comes in off a four-match loss streak, but his game has traditionally been more effective on faster hard courts. He is also is expected to partner the in-form Takeru Yuzuki in doubles, where the Japanese duo will need to be at their very best to spring an upset against the world-class German pairing of Kevin Krawietz and Tim Puetz, who currently sit just outside the world's top 10.

Despite having had a rather poor season with wins few and far between, Nishioka has a strong 12-4 win-loss record in the Davis Cup, and a decent record on indoor hard courts. Notably, he won both his matches against Billy Harris and Jacob Fearnley in straight sets in the 1st Round tie against Great Britain. A strong showing from Nishioka could be crucial to Japan's chances of qualifying for the Final 8 in Italy.

Rei Sakamoto makes his Davis Cup debut for Japan, and though still short on experience, his potential is clear. The teenager from Nagoya already owns two ATP Challenger titles, and at 193 cm he brings a level of power not typically found among Japan’s other team members.

Rounding off the German selections are the experienced former top-50 player, Yannick Hanfmann, and the inexperienced but incredibly talented 17-year-old, Justin Engel. The youngster in particular enters in strong from, having just reached his maiden Challenger semifinal with an excellent run from qualifying in Cassis.

It will no doubt be a difficult tie for Japan against a well-rounded German team. However, with home advantage and the chance for players like Nishioka, Mochizuki, and debutant Sakamoto to step up, the hosts will still back themselves to challenge for a place in the Final 8. The tie will be played from Friday 12 to Saturday 13 September.